When we returned in mid-May we found the pond thawed and were again relieved; this time to find
that most of our new plants had survived the severe winter.
And, most of all, we were delighted to find life in and around the pond:
Damselfly nymph were clambering about (this one is climbing on a rock that is under water surface); and California Tortoiseshell Butterflies were using
the beach as a 'mineral lick'.
Little did we know that these butterflies were but the vanguard of what was to become a lifetime event! But that story will have
to await the end of Summer to finish unfolding. Check back soon!